New York Comic Con (“NYCC”) is about to get even more legendary this year as Toei Animation returns with a bang! The iconic anime studio is all set to celebrate three of its most beloved franchises—Dragon Ball, One Piece, and Digimon—over four action-packed days, from October 12 to 15, 2023. This annual pop culture extravaganza is one of the biggest in North America, and Toei Animation plans to make it unforgettable.
An Anime Paradise Awaits
Toei Animation has an array of location-based entertainment experiences in store for NYCC attendees. Spread across celebrity panels and multiple exhibition spaces, including Booths #2635 and #2821, fans can look forward to an anime immersion like never before.
The NYCC Toei Animation showcase will include:
- Pop-Up Shop: A treasure trove of merchandise from One Piece, Dragon Ball Super, Digimon, and Toei Animation, featuring apparel, skate decks, and enamel pins.
- Life-sized Statues: Get up close and personal with your favorite characters brought to life.
- GIF Photobooth: Capture your NYCC memories with animated flair.
- Murals: Artwork that celebrates the essence of these iconic anime series.
- Card Game Demo Play: Test your skills in card battles from the Digimon world.
But that’s not all! Toei Animation has a couple of giant surprises in store. Prepare to witness the worldwide debut of a new Goku balloon, and for the first time ever outside of Japan, the Monkey D. Luffy Gear Five balloon, which initially made its debut during the 2023 One Piece Day celebration at Tokyo Big Sight in July.
Booth 2635 will be a hub for Dragon Ball and Digimon enthusiasts, while Booth 2821 will be dedicated solely to One Piece, with a major franchise announcement scheduled for October 4.
Pop Culture Meets Anime
The collaboration between Toei Animation and Dim Mak is something to watch out for. At Booth #2821, the Toei Animation X Dim Mak Pop-Up Shop will showcase a specially curated selection of merchandise, including apparel, skate decks, and enamel pins from One Piece, Dragon Ball Super, Digimon, and Toei Animation. Plus, be among the first to grab the all-new One Piece Gear Five designs, featuring apparel and a skate deck.
Share Your Excitement
As you immerse yourself in this anime wonderland, don’t forget to share your experience. Use the hashtag #TA_NYCC in your social media posts from Toei Animation’s panels and exhibition spaces.
The NYCC 2023 Lineup
Toei Animation has a lineup of exciting panels that you won’t want to miss:
Day 1 (Thursday, October 12): The Dragon Ball Special Panel on the Empire Stage at 12:45 pm. Get ready for an exclusive franchise update presented by Executive Producer Akio Iyoku and English dub voice actor Ian Sinclair (the voice of Whis), hosted by English dub voice actor Monica Rial (the voice of Bulma). And there’s a mystery teaser in store!
Day 2 (Friday, October 13): The Digimon Adventure – Past & Future Panel in Room 409 at 1:45 pm. Hosted by Justin Rojas, this Q&A panel gives North American fans the chance to hear from Hiromi Seki, producer of the original “Digimon Adventure” and “Digimon Adventure 02” TV series. Plus, get a sneak peek at the new movie “Digimon Adventure 02 The Beginning.”
Day 3 (Saturday, October 14): On the Main Stage at 6:30 pm, Toei Animation and Crunchyroll present the “One Piece” Dub Villains Panel. Start with the English dub premiere of “One Piece” Episode 1015, followed by a Q&A session with the English dub voice actors behind some of the anime series’ most iconic villains.
Prepare yourself for an unforgettable anime extravaganza at NYCC 2023. Toei Animation is bringing the magic of Dragon Ball, One Piece, and Digimon to life, and you’re invited to be part of this epic celebration!
